Mariners Close To Signing James Paxton

The Mariners are close to signing James Paxton, their fourth round pick in the 2010 draft, according to ESPN.com’s Keith Law (on Twitter). The left-hander, formerly a top prospect, would provide the Mariners with another high-ceiling arm.

The Blue Jays selected Paxton 37th overall in the first round of the 2009 draft, but didn't sign him. Paxton spent the 2010 season with the Grand Prairie AirHogs of the independent American Association after the NCAA ruled that he wasn’t eligible to resume his college career at the University of Kentucky.

Though most draftees have to sign by the middle of August, the deadline doesn’t apply to college seniors or players drafted out of independent leagues.

Paxton threw a whole 17 innings last year. It will take him at least this season and next to get stretched out enough to be a MLB starter. Maybe 100 innings this year, maybe 150 in 2013. By waiting things out, he may have wrote a ticket to the bullpen.